CHP Arrests Over 100 Suspects During Holiday Retail Theft Blitz

In the final days of the holiday season, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the California Highway Patrol (CHP), in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, successfully conducted a statewide enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime.

On Dec. 20 CHP and local police departments carried out Operation Holiday Watch in communities throughout California resulting in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms and the recovery of three stolen vehicles. Expected charges range from petty theft and grand theft to organized retail crime.

Key Results of the Operation

  • 117 arrests made for organized retail theft and related offenses.
  • Recovery of 767 stolen items, valued at more than $38,000 including clothing, shoes and fragrances.
  • Enhanced collaboration among 10 California law enforcement agencies and 56 different retail partners to improve in-store security and reporting.
  • Increased law enforcement visibility in high-traffic shopping areas, deterring additional crimes.

“Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated.”

The daylong operation was conducted in collaboration with the Hemet Police Dept., Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept., Los Angeles Police Dept., Glendale Police Dept., Bakersfield Police Dept., Woodland Police Dept., Walnut Creek Police Dept., Livermore Police Dept. and San Ramon Police Dept.

Since the Organized Retail Crime Task Force’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 3,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 3,500 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.3 million stolen goods valued at $51.3 million. 

Governor Newsom this past summer signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves and auto burglars.